Editor's Note: Welcome to American Morning's LIVE Blog where you can discuss the "most news in the morning" with us each and every day. Join the live chat during the program by adding your comments below. It's your chance to share your thoughts on the day's headlines. Keep in mind, you have a better chance of having your comment get past our moderators if you follow our rules: 1) Keep it brief 2) No writing in ALL CAPS 3) Use your real name (first name only is fine) 4) No links 5) Watch your language (that includes $#&*).

Pres. Obama, surrounded by lawmakers, signs the health care insurance reform legislation in the East Room of the White House on March 23, 2010.

(CNN) - President Obama will sign an executive order Wednesday that ensures that existing limits on the federal funding of abortion remain in place under the new health care overhaul law.

Unlike the signing of the health care bill into law Tuesday, which was conducted under the glare of media cameras, the event Wednesday will be closed to the news media.

It will be attended by Rep. Bart Stupak of Michigan and 12 of his anti-abortion Democratic House colleagues, without whose help the landmark overhaul bill would not have passed, political observers say.

The White House said the executive order reaffirms longstanding restrictions on the federal funding of abortion in the new law. FULL STORY

Sound off: Share your personal stories with us. How will the health care reform bill affect you? Join the LIVE blog below and chat with us during the show. And please feel free to weigh in on any of the other topics we're covering this morning as well.

soundoff(185 Responses)

American Morning

Thanks for the comments everyone. Be sure to tune in tomorrow and chat with us on the Live blog. Have a nice day!

March 24, 2010 at 9:54 am |

Don Thompson

Tone, it depends on your view. Some of us believe the markey is a better more efficient method of delivery. Yes millions don't have insurance. Ever ask them why? Most will argue they can't afford it. So forcing them to pay is going to help them? They can get medical services now and not pay. They get written off every day.

I really do believe this, we will all suffer now. Lines will get longer, they have to. If people get something for nothing or even a lower cost they will use it more. That means longer lines.

Our care will suffer, as it does in Canada, England and eles where. Our system has developed most of the medical breakthroughs in this world. That will change.

Is heath care a right, probably should be. Like I said above what are you going to say when the best Doctors opt out of the planb and set up clinics for the rich. It will happen. The plans are already under way. If Government care is going to be so great how come the State of Washington just announced it will no longer allow new Medicare patients?

You have no fear how this will paly out? That the people who wrote the law have 0, yes that is zero medical experience? What about the unemployment this will cause. Companies all over will shed more workers to comply with limits.

Finally, if it works as well as the credit card regulations have worked then i know my fear is justified. Lets see there are less cards available, my fees went up, access to easy credit is gone. Nice work on that one. Even the Democrates admit this will cost more and insurance rates will rise. You watch...dramatically.

Compare what insurance costs in Mass. to the rest of the country. I think you will be surprised.

March 24, 2010 at 9:51 am |

Emily

The issue of so many Republicans not wanting to pay for abortions is the same as mine, religeous. Conservative usually means that we consider abortion as wrong and something that we cannot be a party to.

March 24, 2010 at 9:46 am |

Craig

Joyce We are still waiting for the ever loving parent Alec Baldwin to leave the country. When will they pass a law that everyone has to buy car insurance? It doesn't matter if you own one or not you have to buy it because they say you have to.

March 24, 2010 at 9:46 am |

rollo

To LLs: i can't perdict the future like u so i will wait and see what happens.I do know that doing nothing is not an option. its better to try and fail than not try at all. you got to start somewhere; republicans been afraid to tackle this issue for years.we finaly have a president with a back bone whose willing to risk political gains for the sake of the country. BIG ups to pres. clinton he did a great job for the country too.

March 24, 2010 at 9:44 am |

Barbara a Proud Canadian !!!!

Congratulations to the people of America. You have a compassionate, intelligent and motivated President who has delivered on his promise to you – in spite of personal attacks, racism (don't think the rest of the world hasn't reached that decision) and political threat. Welcome to the beginning of your entrance to the modern world)... Please don;'t give me all the anti-Canadian Health care arguments. I am 71 years old, and have enjoyed its benefits since its inception over 60 years ago!. Check out our country's stats at the World Health Organization's web site. Some of your figures or 40-60 percent taxes are ridiculous!!!

March 24, 2010 at 9:43 am |

Kristi

I am so happy about this healthcare bill. All people deserve a right to health. This should not even be a debate. If Republicans say they have morals than they would want this type of change but they apparently do not have morals. Having health insurance for everyone will save our country so much money in the long run. We will create a healthier society because of it which is incredibly important. Although it is controversial I believe abortions should be paid for by the federal government. People who cannot afford abortions are also likely to be the people who will be using medicaid, food stamps, and general aid from the government. I am suprisped Republicans don't support this because supporting abortion for an unprepared mother will save money for the society as a whole as well. I do believe though that a person should have a choice to choose if they want an abortion or not. But they should be fully informed before they get to the decision of abortion....meaning comprehensive sex education is absolutely vital for our schools. Abstinence only education is proven, by research, to not only be ineffective, but can in cases increase the incidence of sex among youth. Comprehensive sex education teaches youth about responsibility, choice, and it has been shown to be effective in decresing the incidence of sex among youth. Why is that even a debate?

March 24, 2010 at 9:41 am |

Tone

Todd – Michigan
It's going to cost the same as the Iraq war. Only difference is this time the gov. is trying to save American lives rather than having us KILLED OFF BY THE THOUSANDS.
Are you oh so concerned about the PEOPLE DYING, or the &%*#@ cost!! You put a price on a human life?? Your parents did a great job!

March 24, 2010 at 9:41 am |

Rose Thompson

Craig – Fox news applied for a licence and the CRTC turned them down. Not sure why. I think they said there is already a conservative news channel. Are you saying there is a conspiracy against conservatives? If so I need to remind you that our Prime Minister is a conservative. Is yours? Anyways, I'm out. All I'm saying is that I'm happy for you guys. At least people won’t be without the basic need to health care.

March 24, 2010 at 9:39 am |

Tone

No Jane.... Those that love this bill are those who cannot be cut off for pre-existing conditions which may very well be YOU in the future. Wouldn't that be...... ironic. ?

March 24, 2010 at 9:37 am |

Emily

Tone, lighten up and stop name calling. I am totally against this health care law and I am entightled to my opinion.

March 24, 2010 at 9:36 am |

Tone

Melon.... the concept of the auto insurance is to make sure you and others are covered in the event of an accident, as well as your car being covered, thus able to be fixed without you paying the auto shops out of pocket. The concept of health insurance is to ensure you are covered in the event of an accident, illness, disease, etc.. So I should very well ensure that my car, my most prized possession, for some, is covered and can be fixed. But not my health. Of course the car is more important.
I don't even know what to call this warped thinking.... I'll give it a try though. IGNORANCE!

March 24, 2010 at 9:34 am |

CeeCee

The poor, poor misunderstood Republicans. They caused the jobs to leave this country, so Don be glad that the government has jobs for Americans. Where would America be without those government jobs, cause private industry does everything they can to find ways to send jobs to other countries. Example: One of the major hospitals in the DC area that see senators, congress persons, etc – about 4 years ago fired all in-house employees who did facility billing and sent the jobs to Napal India. Another major insurance company in this DC area sent jobs to the Phillipeans, and right now AT&T customer service help desk is located in India.
So if it were not for the government hiring AMERICANS how would you get your income tax check and all the other thing the AMERICANS hired by the Federal goverment do to keep this GREAT COUNTRY in operation. How dare you make referrence to people earning a honest wage. Republican hate so much, I guess you don't realize that at one time the Republican party was against slavery, taxation without representation, and human rights. Now all they care about is WAR and kickbacks!!

March 24, 2010 at 9:33 am |

Timothy Brown

I can't tell you how overjoyed I am over the passage of this new law.
The Republicans need to stop all the nonsense and get on board with what is good for the people.
I don't appreciate them getting on T.V. and saying that the "people" are angry.
Well, they don't speak for me and further more their antics make them look very bad.
Thank you Mr. President for signing this bill into Law.

To the Republicans, "Get a Life!"

March 24, 2010 at 9:29 am |

Tone

No Jane..... Rush should have been gone a long time ago. He said first and foremost that if Obama wins, he's leaving the country. We're still waiting. (Pull it up on you tube Jane). Your one of those people who will go out of your way to support a blatant big mouth racist. BIRDS OF A FEATHER......

March 24, 2010 at 9:29 am |

John

Does any know. Does the Health Care Bill allow me to drop out of purchasing Insurance because of Religious beliefs of not believing in Modern Medicine???

Health Care bill violates the 1st amendment of freedom of religion by Forcing those with religions beliefs who do not believe in modern medicine to purchase insurance, purchasing this insurance would violate their ability to practice their faith, in essence saying, practice your religion, but don’t believe your religion will protect you, you need a back up plan. The courts maybe able to find away to allow children to have insurance, but not adults and has up held this through the american court system. You can not practice your religion if at the same time you are paying for something that violates your faith this would be in essence denying the individual to believe in their own religion.

March 24, 2010 at 9:29 am |

Tone

I am cuious as to why any of the republican puppets can tell those outside this wonderful party why this wonderful party that they so blindly defend have never done anything for the 30 + million americans without healthcare and those of us whose premiums have risen to 500 + dollars a month deducted from our paychecks, and the ailing who have been kicked off of their insurance for pre-existing condition have never done a thing in the way of health reform? Didn't your parents teach you that old saying, "don't listen to what a person says.... instead, watch what they do! Oh yeah, they want to "fix" it..... now. They didn't want to propose it, they'd rather wait for someone else to try an help the American people and yell and scream, THIS IS AN OUTRAGE!! If it werent to pitiful, it could become a #1 comedy at the box office. (C'mon Melon... answer me that)

March 24, 2010 at 9:25 am |

American Morning

@Tone:

This from the transcript of yesterday's show:

ROBERTS: You know, this morning, we have been asking people to write in on our live blog this morning at CNN.com/AmFix. Their experiences and their thoughts about the health care bill passed. ... A lot of the comments running positive. We do get some negative ones as well, that we've been sharing with you.

March 24, 2010 at 9:22 am |

Emily

If insurance companies are the problem now because they don't pay their claims, what will change?

March 24, 2010 at 9:19 am |

rollo

to: don thampson ,if ur doctor is going to take cash only ;than he want be ur doctor for long because he want survive because most people can't afford to pay cash. quick fix to ur doctors problem tell him to stick with his apointment times and his office want get over croweded. also most people pay some cash up front anyway if they have a co-pay.

March 24, 2010 at 9:19 am |

Jeremy

Just wondering if the new Health Care bill addresses issues such as exercise and diet education? Trying to build a healthier society with affordable healthy food options seems to make more sense than treating a society with poor diet and eating habits.

March 24, 2010 at 9:18 am |

Bobby Ball, MD

Where was the concern about spending when the US illegally invaded Iraq – 750billion and counting, almost 5000 soldiers killed, thousand maimed/injured, Unknown thousands of Iraqi's killed & injured(yep, they are people too). Priorities, Priorities...what Bible do Republicans read???

March 24, 2010 at 9:18 am |

Tone

Melon repub. or democrat.? Your affiliation should be "ignorant" (unlearned, lacking knowledge). Not once could you bring yourself to find one thing positive about this bill. ?? Are you serious? Perhaps you are unlearned (ignorant) about the positive aspects or either your hatred runs that deep. You and your mother, child, brother, niece, grandma, etc. will reap the benefits of this. What happens is you or your family members will have to worry about being shot down by the insurance companies based on prexsisting conditions. Sweet, huh? Yeah, you all will benefit. You can't see it now because you vision is clouded by personal hatred and bias'. You'll get it in the end though. That's how Karma works.
Signed not as a dem. or repub....... but as a human. That's what we are.

March 24, 2010 at 9:15 am |

Mike

I am for health care. While beind more of a Libertarian...I sway to different sides for different isues. At first i didn'nt believe that health care was i good idea. I thought it was gonna run us into the ground. Then i red into it and found that it was a great idea. no insurance company can turn down someone with a prexisting condition now. thats great. and now less people are gonna go bankrupt because 2:3 people before this bill went bankrupt because of not haveing health care, now this number should go greatly down.

March 24, 2010 at 9:14 am |

Don Thompson

Jane you are correct. The EO only gives cover to Mr. Stupak. For those who believe the Republicans had any say in this and just refused to talk you are naive at best. The amendments that were "allowed" that they talk about on the news were 95% not related to health care. If your for the outcome of this law then be for it, but don't hide how it got passed. The Democrates have set a new low in American politics. One that will come back to haunt them in the future. They have driven the respect for their instututions to new lows. It is a sad fact that people now think of being a Congress person is as low a job as one could have.

March 24, 2010 at 9:14 am |

CeeCee

Question:
Those who are complaining about the pricetag – Did you care about the price tag of this FAKE War GB, Jr. got this country into? We will be paying for that for decades both monetarily and politically.

Those who are complaining – why don't you give back you SSI checks and send back your Medicare benefit cards – because you are on the same type of system as this new Healthcare bill. I continually have money taken from my check to make sure those SSI checks keep coming to your mailboxes and you take advantage of everything you can get out of the Medicare system and complain when you don't get it. I work in healthcare everyday and see the effects, see how medical facilities treat the uninsured like they are less than nothing because they know they can't submit a claim to insurance for the care they just gave, I see it everyday. So everyone GET REAL!!

Those who HAVE alway complain and try to DENY those who don't – Why? Because you political party said so.

Just like PT Barnum said – There is a SUCKER born every minute, the Tea Party and the SAD Republicans are fooling you all...

Health Care bill violates the 1st amendment of freedom of religion by Forcing those with religions beliefs who do not believe in modern medicine to purchase insurance, purchasing this insurance would violate their ability to practice their faith, in essence saying, practice your religion, but don’t believe your religion will protect you, you need a back up plan. The courts maybe able to find away to allow children to have insurance, but not adults and has up held this through the american court system. You can not practice your religion if at the same time you are paying for something that violates your faith this would be in essence denying the individual to believe in there own faith

March 24, 2010 at 9:13 am |

nicholas

From reading the constitution, section 8, the powers of congress, it clearly states it is contitutional for congress to makes laws in the interest of the welfare of the people, "health" is a part of that welfare, therefore would not the republican view that the health care bill is unconstitutional be incorrect?

March 24, 2010 at 9:11 am |

Jane - WI

Why only cover "children" to age 26? Why not 30? Or 45? What makes a 26 year old a "child", but not a 30 year old? Another example of keeping people dependent on someone else.
Also, did the CBO take into account the number of new government employees it will take to administer this massive program as well as the new government (union) employees it will take to administer the government takeover of the student loan program? How many people will lose their jobs in the private sector, only to have more added in the public sector at taxpayer expense?

March 24, 2010 at 9:08 am |

LLS

Rollo, this healthcare bill is not going to stop the increase in your insurance costs! Premiums will continue to rise, maybe even radically. Your part of the cost such as copay, deductibles, etc will also go up! Finally you will be paying more in indirect "user fees" Our personal discretionary dollars are going down along with our salary being reduced! Not a good picture! Wait till Cap & Trade costs hit. Obama states publically in his campaign our electric costs will increase radically! Ouch!

March 24, 2010 at 9:06 am |

Jane - WI

Joyce,
You obviously don't listen to the Rush Limbaugh show. He never said he was moving to Costa rica. He was merely repeating a point that a caller made that her company is planning to open clinics in Costa Rica and people could buy insurance to come to that clinic. Rush jokingly said that maybe he would use that clinic in the future. It appears you are getting your facts second hand and possibly from CNN or MSNBC, which tend to distort reality.

March 24, 2010 at 9:05 am |

ronvandm

SO, now that we have the bill, lets ALL sit back, take a deep breath and see what happens. If it works then millions will benefit and the republicans will be no more! They have backed themselves into a corner and now they have no recourse except to continue with their "hate, threatening" tactics. For those states that now want to sue, if they try and loose, they should be exempt from the benefits of the bill. If the people back this move and do not vote these idiots out of office, immediately, then they can suffer the consequences. We need to move on and try and solve all of our other problems.

March 24, 2010 at 9:05 am |

David N. Glisson

I am 68 and glad I have medicare. I was dignoised in 1989 with pancretidus.
I could not get Insurance. Even if I could I could not afford it, I went four years with chest pains and would not see a doctor for fear that I could not pay for it. I almost had a heart attack but I did Have Stints when I was 65 and on medicare. Medicare supplements cost me and my wife over 600 dollars a month together. Thank God for medicare.
I can't belive that people don't realize that we need Insurance with lower rates and garenteed Issue.
I also know that some people may have lost there homes when given the popertunity of keeping there insurance or home. Average cost of a family is 1400.00 for medical insurance.
Wake up America

March 24, 2010 at 9:04 am |

rollo

to melon: if ur worried about paying more for insurance because of this bill whats ur fix for the uninsured showing up at the emergency room in wich they can't be denied care. tax payers still pay their bill. grow up and care about someone else other than ur self. be thankful u can help someone.

March 24, 2010 at 9:03 am |

Tone

I'm watching CNN this morning. If there are 100 positive comments, and 5 negative comments meaning those opposed to Healthcare reform, CNN seems to manage to pick out the majority of negative ones. The media is very much the blame for this negative tone in regards to this debate. CNN will never say "you know we've been checking out the blog and the majority of people are for health care reform." Never. This is done by design. This is an insult to the intelligent viewer.

March 24, 2010 at 9:02 am |

Bobby Ball, MD

Bravo the USA is now in the 20th century for healthcare, time to work on the 21st.century and cover 100% of the population. How does a primary care physician who graduates with 250,000 debt do primary care? Ans. He(She) doesn't do primary care!!! That why there is a worsening shortage. There is too great a disparity in disbursement/income between primary care and specialists to pay off these huge debts. Does the new healthcare bill address this major developing problem?

March 24, 2010 at 9:01 am |

Don Thompson

Just reading through the above posts I am struck by the anti Republican noise. Understand this, they are the loyal oposition. It is there responsibility to challage the party in power. This is how our country was set up.

I happen to disagree with this health care mess. Not because I don't think our current system need fixing...it does. I do believe some changes to our laws could have solved this whithout creating a future nightmare. To bring this under a huge federal program, thousands of new government workers and agencies is rediculous. Does anyone realize that 53 percent of this country works for the Government already? Subtract the unemployed and roughly 34 percent of the country is paying for everything including the 53 percents salaries. This is not sustainable.

March 24, 2010 at 9:01 am |

Craig

To Rose: Are you sure Canada is every bit as free as the US? If that is the truth then why is Fox news not allowed on the Canadian airwaves? Do you know that the Canadian Provinces pay 40% of budget on health care? This will be the same down in the US. That is why the AG are suing over this. The Federal Gov will make themselves look good by saying we did not raise your taxes your State did. We can not control what they do!!

March 24, 2010 at 9:01 am |

Jane - WI

We might not be paying in the future for uninsured to go to emergency rooms, but who in their right minds thinks that we will be insuring 30 million more people and giving subsidies to those making up to $88,000 at no cost to someone? It seems many who like this bill think they will be the recipients of free insurance. They really don't care that the burden of paying for it will have to be carried by someone. It is sad to see what a dependent culture we are becoming. Too many people want what they want and they want it for free.

March 24, 2010 at 9:00 am |

lala

I am not really for abortion but if my children was rape or to young i think i will do some thing about it because children 11 12 -17 do not know nothing about haveing a baby because they or babies there self
and i feel that the parents should keep close eye on there children

March 24, 2010 at 8:59 am |

CeeCee

Americans, please stop the bickering back and forth about healthcare. I work for a major insurance co. in DC and believe me they deny applicants left and right only because of the money involved. Why isn't healthcare looked at the same way Americans look at Guns. If you feel you have the right to carry and own a gun to protect yourself, then why don't you have the right to Healthcare without havnig to crawl and beg an insurance company to help you get healthy. This all boils down to money, the might dollar and nothing more. These insurance companies have Board members just like, Enron, GM, Toyota and they bottom line they get kickbacks for not having to put out the money to help make someone's quality of life better, Isn't that also an inalienable right for ALL AMERICANS. They are using scare tactics, and people like Gupta just help with the fear mongering. WE AMERICANS ARE BETTER THAN THAT. Not one of us, any American on this plantet, know the future, so you are in fear of what? the FUTURE. We have had several children die in the DC area because the mother could not afford healthcare. I feel really SAD that there is so much negativity on saving lives, but no one jumped up and said stop KILLING AMERICA's future by killing our soldiers the way most of you on this blog are condeming this Healthcare bill. It is very SAD!!

March 24, 2010 at 8:58 am |

Joyce Burke

Now that health care has passed I wonder when Rush Limbaugh will make good on his threat to Costa Rica? I'm sure he'll love their government run health care system there!!

March 24, 2010 at 8:56 am |

Jessica

Would you people please learn what Socialism is. Then actually read the bill instead of just ranting about what some talking head told you. If you have an intelligent arguement fine; but you are not writing anything with substance and you have no idea what socialism is.

March 24, 2010 at 8:56 am |

John

Anyone who truly is outraged at loss of personal freedoms should not limit their outrage to limits on abortion funding. If your outrage truly is based upon restriction of personal freedom rather than the narrow policy decision about how much to subsidize abortion, then you should be outraged at the entire reform package. There has been no greater restriction on personal choice and personal freedom than the requirement for everyone to buy health insurance.

March 24, 2010 at 8:56 am |

Tone

If a husband is covered by a "self only" policy, the wife who is not working is of course entitled to Medicaid for her and her children.

March 24, 2010 at 8:56 am |

Jane - WI

Doesn't federal law trump an executive order? How can the President signing this piece of paper overrule a law that is in effect? It seems Mr. Stupak was fooled or he willingly caved in under pressure from the tactics of this administration.

March 24, 2010 at 8:55 am |

melvin

These people that think we are the russians wrong contry guys
as a vet that served his country with pride I at least know the differance
sorry you don't I have taken care of my country all my life as well as my own family and think that these people that think the wold has come to an end because of helth care should move to russia or china

March 24, 2010 at 8:55 am |

Melon

Rose... I can't afford to go to the hospital NOW. I or my family have no health insurance – lost that when wife's job went on vacation to Mexico and decided to stay there (thanks again to the Dumbocrats and NAFTA!) I have no insurance and still think this plan is wrong.

March 24, 2010 at 8:54 am |

Jane - WI

Darryl,
Once again, when talking about school taxes, that is a state and local issue, not a federal issue. This health insurance bill is the federal government forcing all to buy a product. Now that the federal government is in control,will they next be controlling our lifestyles so that we don't use as many health care services? Oh, that's right, they are already on the path to doing that.

March 24, 2010 at 8:54 am |

Todd - Michigan

Can you help me with the math?

Healthcare reform is ONLY going to cost about 1 Trillion over 10 years – correct?

However – the IRS says it will need 16,000 more people to monitor HC. The studies show that the average federal employee makes $70,000 a year (not including benefits) so:

16,000 * 70,000 = $1,120,000,000 – that is One Trillion, One Hundred Twenty Million dollars a year increase in payroll for the IRS – correct??

It would appear this was not included in the cost of HC reform. How is this going to be paid for??

March 24, 2010 at 8:54 am |

Carl

Does the H'Care Bill require all providers except Gov't Pool Ins?

March 24, 2010 at 8:54 am |

George

Republicans mostly have issues when it comes to social programs, when it come to cut taxes for the 8% regardless of what the cost is they are all for it, are they forgetting that the Democrats have to pay a higher tax too, but I don't hear them complaining about high taxes, It go back to the bible which says to whom more is given more is require. You take hogs, shrimp, wild life, and many other things is worth more to invest in than people with their way of thinking.

March 24, 2010 at 8:54 am |

Joey

If this health care reform is so good and is the best for Americans, then why isn't it required for the president and congress/senate required to use it as well... not good enough for them?

March 24, 2010 at 8:53 am |

Amanda

John A, exactly how does this bill undermine the Constitution? I like to think I'm pretty smart about these things, but I just don't see it.

March 24, 2010 at 8:52 am |

Craig

I have 2 questions

1) What happened to the Presidents promiss of allowing the citizens 5 days to view this bill before he signs it?

2) Why was the Scholarship program added to this bill?

Thank you

March 24, 2010 at 8:52 am |

rollo

if u think u can live in this world and not need healthcare u are a confused person and out of touch with reallity. one day u will get sick and unless ur rich and can pay cash u need healthcare.

March 24, 2010 at 8:51 am |

lala

Hello family i am so glad that we the middle class will have some insurance like every body else.

March 24, 2010 at 8:51 am |

Laurence R

Is the public option still apart of the bill?

March 24, 2010 at 8:51 am |

Adam

yes, is you have a pre-existing condition, you can still get coverage...in a few years if you live that long...and the cost??? you may be better off not finding a job so people like me can pay for your coverage, then you can also get welfare and i can pay for your food..unless like many, you abuse the system....Na, who would do that??

March 24, 2010 at 8:51 am |

Don Thompson

Here is one to discuss. I was talking to a Family Doctor friend of mine who told me he can't wait. He was planning to remodel his office, upgrading his decor. He is then going to change his practice over to cash only. He will serve those who do not want to wait for sevice. He believes that not making this change will turn his practice into what our current emergency rooms look like and he has no interest in that.

His final comment was....finally I will make the money the Plastic guys make. Is this what our future is?

March 24, 2010 at 8:49 am |

Amanda

Melon, you and are at complete odds on most things, but you are right about one thing: insurance companies shouldn't be in health care at all. Health care should be non-profit only.

March 24, 2010 at 8:49 am |

Melon

Terri ... for starters the Government will have to raise taxes to help coverage the subsidized people, raise taxes to fund the Government which is sure to grow from this bill, forcing everybody to buy health insurance will increase profits for the insurance companies.

March 24, 2010 at 8:48 am |

Emily

I would be curious to know who is invested in all of these insurance companies thar get so much special consideration. If insurance companies had been forced to pay for claims, this health care problem wouldn't exist. People have figured out that it makes more sense to use the money that would pay the insurance premiums to pay for other necessities, rather than to pay high premiums and fight with the insurance companies to try to get them to pay the claims. One of my favorites is when I had a hysterctomy the insurane denied my claim. I was stunned and called to ask what the problem was. I told the young woman that answered that I had acquired a confirmation number prior to the surgery. She told me that did not mean they would pay for the surgery, so I asked her what the point of having a confirmation was. She told me that she understood that there were complications with my pregnancy (pregnancy not being covered) to which I replied, "My baby is 23 years old!" The fight cintinued for months with new excuses.

March 24, 2010 at 8:47 am |

Susan McIntosh

If your under 26 is off your health insurance and has no employer health insurance can they come back on the parents? Also will the federal govt. health plans allow them to be covered before open season in Dec 2010? Do they lose the coverage on their 26th birthday or at the end of the year they turned 26?

thanks

March 24, 2010 at 8:47 am |

Rose Thompson

Melon – When was the last time you couldn't afford to go to the hospital for a gaping wound and stitch yourself? Your fellow Americans have had to. Every developed country has a responsibility to police the streets, provide a fire department, provide education and provide health care. Canada is every bit as free as the US. I’m sure President Obama is not secretly a communist! He’s not trying to make you guys in to Canadians either. He just wants you guys healthy!

March 24, 2010 at 8:46 am |

T.K

Millions of americans who have insurance, have no primary care doctor. Now with millions more getting insurance, it`s worse. Have fun trying to find a doctor to accept you as a patient!

March 24, 2010 at 8:45 am |

John A

This "healthcare reform" is the greatest defeat for freedom and our constitution ever. We could have had socialized medicine and a government that forced its socialist views on the People long ago had we simply capitulated to the Soviets. The Soviet government, too, completely disregarded the will of the People, and then justified its actions by claiming to serve and to help the People.

March 24, 2010 at 8:44 am |

sharon

To melon: I hope the next time you have to call the police department or the fire department because you need help that you stop and think about all the other people who are paying taxes to fund those departments so you can be kept safe. Now, finally, a lot of people will also be helped with their health care problems.

March 24, 2010 at 8:44 am |

Terri

John A – there is nothing about this bill that comes even remotely close to being "socialist".

Statements like these are a terrible reflection on our school systems. Most people don't even have a rudimentary understanding of common political systems. It's embarassing to read something like that as it reminds me in what dire straights our country is going to be in when the rest of the world continues to gobble up well paying jobs because they have an educated work force!

But I digress – John A – read up on what socialism is, and then compare it to what this bill is proposing. I think you'd be surprised. Don't spout someone else's rhetoric – make up your own mind.

March 24, 2010 at 8:43 am |

rollo

I am glad healthcare bill passed because my insurance went up 50%before the talks started about healthcare reform. so if the premiums was going to go up, we might as well hold insurance companies to the fire for pre-existing illnesess. also we may as well have insurance for the uninsured because when they go to the emergency room we pay for it anyway . also moraly would u let someone die because they don't have insurance. If your answer is yes to that than your selfish and most likely your republican.

March 24, 2010 at 8:42 am |

George

The reason the republicans haven't spoke out against these racist remarks because some share those value, and the tea party can deny their acts if there is only a few, trust me there is a few open, but there is many hiding their true feeling so they is letting others speak for them. I keep hearing republicans keep talking about their morals and value, they must really don't understand the mean of moral value. congress make @174,000.00 per year and complaining about paying a 1.5 tax height only going to be missing 2,610 dollars more from their pay, moral values; one should be shame to say the healthcare bill is going to raise their taxes,does not the bible say the wealth should take care of the poor? so what moral value are you talking about?

March 24, 2010 at 8:41 am |

Terri

Melon – you say this bill will increase my taxes and make insurance companies richer.

What specifically are you talking about? I'm really interested in what people have against this bill. But most of what I hear is hyperbole. So please, if you can share specifics, I really do wish to hear it! Trust me, if it is reasonable I'm with you!

March 24, 2010 at 8:39 am |

Melon

Health care reform is needed but not the plan the Dumbocrats are attempting to force upon us. Nor the one the Republicants want (if they have one, that is!) Need a flat tax system and get insurance companies out of health care altogether.

March 24, 2010 at 8:38 am |

Mat

Even though I've been a democrat my entire voting life, and a moderate liberal before that, this health care bill upsets me. The problem has always been the greed of the health insurance companies, and now I'll be punished by my own government if I don't give these insurance companies my money. I feel like I'm being shaken down by a loan shark!

March 24, 2010 at 8:38 am |

Adam

First, this is not health care reform! Everyone who backed this bill will be in for a big surprise, but not for a few years....but why? Why push back the roll out of all this "great" bills changes?? The reason, to keep the democrats in office after voting for such a crushing bill for America. This is an example of hiding the problem. The bill will give you a little good in hopes of everyone forgetting the big problems in November and when Obama goes up for his second term. If not, why didn’t the bill start all the changes the day of signing?
And what kind of reform is it? Sure, no lifetime caps, no one can be canceled due to a condition...but I didn’t see any caps on premiums? How much can insurance companies charge...is there a limit? Insurance companies are there to make a profit, like any business...the only way not to need to make a profit would to make the only insurance company a government program.....ohhhhh, a single payer system, is that the plan?? Make it so hard for insurance companies to stay in business so that the go out of business and then who is left, just the government plan who does not need to turn a profit, as they can just grab new taxes...hummm.

Give the bill a few years, you will see all the issues, and it will be too late. And don’t forget the Canadian N.L. Premier Danny Williams came to the U.S. for his heart surgery…and when asked why he stated “I did not sign away my right to get the best possible health care for myself when I entered politics." The best is here because of our free market…this will be gone soon!

March 24, 2010 at 8:37 am |

melvin

As a father or 5 I was laid off in 2008 lost my insurance as well as a job that I had for years this to me is a blessing as I have preexisting conditions I refuse to quit working at 40 as I keep hoping jobs will get better it's comforting to know that we have a presedent that is not afraid to get things done and take some risks to make our live a little better in this time of crises

March 24, 2010 at 8:37 am |

Mike

oops coma

March 24, 2010 at 8:35 am |

John A

Healthcare reform never has been about healthcare. It always has been about pursuing a socialist agenda. Obama and company correctly calculated that healthcare was the issue most likely to enable them to increase government control over the People and to increase the People's dependence on government; thus subjugating the People to the Government in contravention of the most sacred of American values and ideals. Had all elected officials listened to the People rather than to Obama, the Party, and socialist ideology, we would not have socialized medicine and we would be much more free today.

March 24, 2010 at 8:34 am |

Jane - WI

Steven,
The federal government does not mandate that you buy car insurance, your state does that. Also, you do not have to drive a car. In this case, the federal government is forcing all to buy insurance. It is comparing apples to oranges when discussing auto insurance and health insurance.

March 24, 2010 at 8:34 am |

alisa

Abortion is legal and as such any restrictions against it are inappropriate in a health care plan. I am outraged that Obama is forcing me to abide by conservatives morality just so he could push this reform through. I am tired of the government infringing on my personal freedom.

March 24, 2010 at 8:34 am |

Christine Sellers

subsidizing does not equal free. I pay taxes too and I would much rather see my money go towards reforming the insurance industry and giving people access to health care.

March 24, 2010 at 8:33 am |

Jane - WI

I wonder how many posters who think that Barack Obama is "courageous" for ramming through this massive bill (was the outcome ever doubted with the large majorities and the vote buying?) also think that George Bush was 'courageous" had he rammed through Social Security reform in a similar way? Social security reform is desperately needed, yet I recall Democrats fighting tooth and nail against the Republican plan.

March 24, 2010 at 8:32 am |

Melon

People fail to understand that this bill will cause an increase in your taxes and make the insurance companies even richer.

March 24, 2010 at 8:32 am |

Jane - WI

CNN, please do a fact check. Is it true that Medicare currently denies a greater percentage of claims than do the private insurance companies?

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